About the Authors
Hemodialysis, Inc
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The authors of the monographs are Joanne D. Pittard, MS, RN, and John R. De Palma, MD, FACP. The course data began as a series of lectures by Dr. De Palma for registered nurse (RN) training courses. He conducted the formal courses beginning in 1971, two (2) years before Medicare began payment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Ms. Pittard derived her outline from the lectures, data, drawings, and concepts presented at these lectures.
Ms. Pittard’s career began in September 1971 at Olive View Medical Center, Sylmar, California. The dialysis facility was in the midst of evaluating the concept of “self-care” dialysis with a federal grant. It was an exciting time. Teaching of patients and staff was ongoing every day. As the Medical Director, Dr. De Palma walked the staff through all aspects of dialysis. Frequent patient care conferences included the entire medical team.
In those days, we had the luxury of spending time with the patients during their six-hour dialysis treatments. The world of dialysis has undergone many changes. The fluid delivery systems are much more sophisticated, and dialyzers are more efficient. Today, we have corporate dialysis and fast “turnaround” times. Despite all these changes, we should not lose sight of those early days.
Ms. Pittard taught at Glendale Community College in Glendale, California, from 1975 to 2006. During her tenure, Ms. Pittard served as the hemodialysis program director while teaching didactic and clinical nursing. The dialysis-training program closed in 2006 due to Glendale Community College budget cuts.
Dr. De Palma was the CEO of Hemodialysis, Inc, Director of the Hemodialysis, Inc and the American Dialysis College training program for RNs, LVNs, and PCTs.
Ms. Pittard, Professor Emerita of Allied Health, is currently an educational consultant for Hemodialysis, Inc. Ms. Pittard brings her years of experience and expertise to Hemodialysis, Inc. Contact us for more information.
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